Figure 1

Figure 1 – Cross section of the eye showing the position of the natural lens. Source: National eye institute media library

Cataracts

To enable us to see clearly and sharply, the natural lens, which sits behind the pupil of the eye focuses light entering the eye (figure 1). A cataract develops when the natural lens becomes thickened and cloudy causing an impairment of vision.  Although the biggest risk factor is increasing age, other risk factors include diabetes, previous eye surgery, certain medication (such as steroids) and rare medical conditions.

The main symptoms of cataract include:

Haziness

Blurred Vision

Glare – particularly in bright sunlight

Difficult with night driving

Multiple images in one eye